Fiji’s Football Triumph: Can They Hold on to the Crown?

The Fiji team, coached by Ashif Khan, is currently positioned second in the premier division points table after participating in two matches at the Tebara Nations Muslim World Cup Championship 2024, held at Lautoka’s Churchill Park. Defending champions Fiji started strong by defeating Australia 2-0 on the first day, followed by a goalless draw against the USA. With a total of four points, Fiji trails the leaders, New Zealand, who have accumulated six points from two wins.

Khan highlighted the competitiveness of the tournament, where teams are demonstrating high-caliber football. He expressed pride in his team’s experience, noting that although they had limited training as a cohesive unit, their collective skills made a significant difference. “The priority is defence, and attack will come in the end,” Khan remarked, underscoring the team’s strategic approach. He praised his players for adhering to the game plan, acknowledging the leadership of key individuals such as Zibraaz Sahib, Abbu Zahid, and William Valentine. Looking forward, Khan indicated hope for continued strong performances, particularly acknowledging the tactical strength of their rivals, Australia.

In other tournament news, the Fiji Under-17 team played to a 0-0 draw against New Zealand in their opening match. Meanwhile, Canada’s Master Teams showcased impressive performances, as the Masters 40 team, coached by Mohammed Imtiaz, achieved a convincing 3-0 victory over the USA. The defending champions, Canada Legends 50, showed their prowess with striker Lewis Oladuntoye scoring four goals to lead them to victory over Fiji. FANCA president Mohammed Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s strong kickoff, indicating a promising path for the ongoing competition.

This tournament not only highlights the skills of established teams but also offers young players, like those in the Under-17 division, invaluable experience. As Fiji continues to compete, there remains a positive outlook that the team can build on their performance and reclaim their championship title.